Heating and Cooling Science: Education and Training Program Information

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are climate control systems that are designed, installed and repaired by HVAC technicians. Aspiring technicians may pursue training at the certificate, associate's degree and bachelor's degree levels.

Essential Information

Certificate programs take about a year to complete and offer fundamental training in the installation, repair and maintenance of HVACR systems. Students may focus on one aspect of heating or cooling, such as refrigeration or air conditioning, or get a broad education in all aspects of the field. Associate's degree programs, which take two years of study, go into more detail, teaching students such skills as reading electrical diagrams and schematics. A bachelor's degree program, which requires four years to complete and includes general education courses, offers business skills in addition to technician training.

Some states and municipalities require that technicians be licensed, which generally calls for passing an examination. Several professional organizations offer certifications, and obtaining these credentials is standard in the field. Many schools offer credentialing exam preparation as part of their training programs.

Certificate Program in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology

HVACR certificate programs require applicants to have earned a high school diploma. Once admitted, students complete courses and hands-on training that prepare them for entry-level positions. Curriculum provides students with a basic understanding of electricity and heating and cooling technology. Topics of instruction include:

Principles and theory of refrigeration

Heating systems

Technical math

Electric controls

Associate of Applied Science in Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Technology

AAS degree programs in HVACR provide students with more than introductory level of training in topics like electronics, interacting with customers and air-flow system design. Students hone their skills in reading schematics, reading wiring diagrams and solving problems on location. Associate degree programs are open to high school graduates who earned good grades in algebra and science.

Associate degree programs include general education courses along with courses designed to give students a broad understanding of science and technical topics that intersect within the HVAC field. Classes include:

Physics

Heat pumps and air conditioning

Electrical servicing

Technical writing

Heating systems

Bachelor's Degree in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology

A Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology program includes training in HVAC design and repair and in small business management. This program is designed for HVAC professionals who want to operate an HVAC business. Bachelor degree programs for HVAC repair generally require a high school education, including some classes in algebra and either physics or chemistry.

Programs include training in electronics, mathematics, physics and design to prepare future professionals to trouble shoot and solve problems on site. Courses include:

Mechanical systems

Algebra and trigonometry

HVAC automated design

Small business management

Duct design

Popular Career Options

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in 2014, 63% of HVACR technicians worked for contractors and 10% were self-employed. HVACR technicians work anywhere that uses climate control systems, such as government buildings, hospitals and private homes. Duties include performing preventative maintenance as well as installing and repairing systems.

Employment is available in specialty fields, such as cryogenics, which deals with extreme cooling techniques, and clean room HVAC systems, which are HVAC systems designed to control or eliminate airborne particulates. The majority of professionals work in generalist positions at HVAC contractor companies, sales and design firms and local governments; job titles include:

Construction field estimator

Field service technician

Project manager

Sales representative

HVACR Systems designer

Employment Outlook

As of May 2015, the BLS reported that the median annual wage for heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $45,110. Employment for HVACR technicians was expected to increase 14% between 2014-2024, partly due to an increase in commercial and residential building construction (BLS). Additionally, environmental concerns have led to homeowners purchasing new systems that increase efficiency and cut energy bills.

Licensure and Certification Requirements

Laws covering HVACR technician licensure vary by state, but common requirements include passing a test and completing an apprenticeship program or meeting a job experience quota. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires technicians working with refrigerants to pass certification exams in compliance with the Clean Air Act (www.epa.gov). Applicants choose an area of specialty among small appliances, high-pressure refrigerants and low-pressure refrigerants.

With experience and education, HVACR technicians can earn certifications to demonstrate their competency to their employers. Industry organizations, such as HVAC Excellence, the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute, the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society and the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, offer certification exams for eligible technicians.

Students may receive training on how to install and maintain climate control systems through HVAC undergraduate degree and certificate programs.